Worrying about a high water situation goes away as quickly as the water does with our third pick. Get the WAYNE battery backup system on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Northern Tool. A backup sump pump itself can last several years if its seldom used, which is often the case. However, water-powered backups have been steadily growing in popularity as homeowners become aware of their advantages. These sump pump maintenance tips can help prevent water damage in your basement, Consider this option a serious upgrade from a battery backup. How to Maintain Your Sump Pump So It Lasts Longer, 4 Noises Your Sump Pump Makes & Which Ones Mean Trouble. The higher the amperage, the more powerful the battery and the longer the backup pump will run. Must buy pump, separate battery, and replacement batteries every several years. Its covered by a 24 month warranty. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. A combination battery backup unit includes both a primary pump and a backup pump to make installation easier. The beauty is in its simplicity. The Basement Watchdog Special CONNECT Sump Pump gives you plenty of anxiety-reducing options to choose from, along with its other emergency sump pump standards. A battery-operated backup sump pump is the most popular choice among homeowners because it's fairly easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and simple to maintain. Consider the following factors to help you determine which battery backup sump pump is best for your situation. However, some are better than others, depending on your individual situation. First, fill the pump with water and watch to see if the pump begins to move water. A deep-cycle lead-acid battery with a rating of at least 75 amp-hours is recommended. It also comes with a thermoplastic battery box to protect the 12-volt battery (not included) from moisture and corrosion. Just keep in mind that you'll need to take proper care of your generator. The primary sump pump will be plugged into a battery backup controller with the backup sump pump. It comes with an easy-to-remove and clean intake screen filter that keeps debris from entering the pumps motor. Wait until the sump pump has completely turned off. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. Any backup system is better than no backup system for peace of mind. Check with your local building authority to find out the rules in your community. Most homeowners can expect to go 20 years without needing a replacement. The low-cost models have lower pumping capacities and a shorter life than the professional models, but can serve you well if there is not too much water coming into your sump. Your backup pump may not need as much water pumping capacity as your primary sump pump, but it should be able to move enough water to keep things dry in the case of an extended power failure. Also, having a water-powered backup sump pump costs more for both the unit and installation. Basement Flooding Thats about two days of real-life, intermittent operation. It's important to know the pros and cons of a battery backup for your sump pump because this isn't a "perfect" solution.. So, while a new battery may give you 8 hours of run time, a three-year-old battery may have only 2 or 3 hours of run time. Peace of mind doesnt come cheaply, though. Unfortunately, storms that bring torrential rains and flash flooding also sometimes bring high winds and lightning that can down a power line or knock out a transformer, leaving your home without electricity for hours or even days. This value estimates the maximum number of gallons it can pump out in an hour when the battery is fully charged. Installing a battery backup sump pump isnt a difficult project. The amount of time depends on the batterys size and how quickly water is flowing into the sump pit. But even the best water-powered pump, Water Commander, is still less expensive than a lower end battery backup with battery. Another upside of a water-powered sump pump backup is that it's meant to last for a long time. Just as the batterys capacity to hold a charge reduces over time (see run time), so does its ability to pump at full power. It comes fully assembled, ready for a plumber to install in a basement sump pit. This is a backup-only sump pump and should be installed next to a primary sump pump. We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. For peace of mind in those homes where the sump pump regularly cycleseven when its not stormingconsider the Basement Watchdog Big Dog CONNECT battery backup sump pump. Radon Gas Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Pump Life Span The actual pumps provided with emergency battery backups typically are either 1/4 HP or 1/3 HP. Add or subtract approximately one hour of continuous run time for each 10 amp-hours of higher or lower battery rating. When the battery is new the light is brightbut over time the light gets dimmer and dimmer when you turn it onuntil it doesnt work at all. Get the Superior Pump bacup sump pump at The Home Depot, Lowes, and Northern Tool. The highest quality water-powered sump pump available, Water Commander, can last up to 20+ years. Should a rain event occur thats large enough to overwhelm your primary sump pump, having an emergency sump pump in place and ready to go could be the difference between a dry basement or a flooded one. Keep in mind that maintenance-free batteries still need to be checked from time to time to be certain that theyre holding a charge and arent damaged in any way. The following models are some of the best options for keeping your basement dry in any kind of weather. Not only that, but if you lose power and the backup is running, its pumping rate will continually reduce the longer the pump runs. However, your generator will likely last up to 20 years if you maintain it properly. Once youve installed a battery backup with a brand-new battery, you will get about 7 to 8 hours of run time. Poorly maintained batteries, and old batteries, will have diminished performance. The unit works on both AC for the primary pump and a 12-volt battery (not included) for the backup pump. If you would like to learn more about water-powered sump pumps, visit our main website. Battery backup sump pump systems should be durable and powerful enough to protect from basement flooding if the power goes out. No? It features a main sump pump that plugs into a household outlet and comes with a nested, -horsepower backup sump pump that accepts a 12-volt battery (sold separately). Sump Basin The Basement Watchdog battery backup sump pump is rated to pump 1,000 GPH at a 10-foot lift. Similar to installing a primary sump pump, setting up a battery backup sump pump requires connecting a new pipe to the existing system. Battery backup sump pumps are available in most home centers. The primary pump is rated at 2,040 GPH with a 10-foot lift, and the -horsepower backup pump is rated for 1,800 GPH of water with the same lift. Because the two pumps come connected, theres no need to splice the drainpipe to add a second pump, making the installation process relatively simple. Those in the market for a new primary pump in addition to a backup pump may want to look no further than the combination sump pump system, the Wayne Basement Guardian premium protection system. Ready to get pumped up about choosing a sump pump backup? Also known as its capacity, a backup sump pumps flow rate is measured in gallons per hour (GPH). But, theres more. At 12.5 pounds, its a little heavy for a thermoplastic-body sump pump, but its still compact enough to fit into tight sump basins. His experience ranges from licensed building contracting to property maintenance company ownership. A good battery backup sump pump is not only ready and willing to take on this challenge, but will keep you notified of any problems with the system while youre waiting for the storm. You can learn more why Water Commander beats battery backups and is the best water-powered backup available on the market. However, the most powerful water-powered brand, Water Commander, can meet and exceed the pumping rates of a good electric sump pump (see pumping rate table). Get THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG 3500 sump pump at The Home Depot or at Lowes. Currently operating a home repair and DIY consulting service, he empowers his clients to be self-sufficient in their home repair and remodeling endeavors. Water-powered sump pump backups can't be installed in homes with wells. With the Zoeller Aquanot sump pump with battery backup, the backup pump doesnt have to connect to the primary pump because its a combination unit. Primary Sump Pump Failure Coming in at second place, the Basement Watchdog Special CONNECT sump pump with battery backup is a combination unit that includes both a primary sump pump and a battery backup pump. Bernoulli Principle Pros: The main perk of a backup generator for your sump pump is that there's really no limit to how long you can run one. As an option, for an additional $110 or so, it can even connect to a proprietary Wi-Fi controller. Deane is a 30+ year veteran in the contracting, remodeling, maintenance, and home repair industry. Drain Tiles You're not necessarily stuck altering your sump pump to get backup support. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. Well take a look at 4 main criteria to compare both pumps: If youre curious, we have a comparison chart at the bottom summarizing each criteria for both battery and water-powered backups. This combination unit features an engineered thermoplastic exterior, and the housing is filled with oil and sealed hermetically to protect the pumps. The best battery backup for existing sump pumps cycles to remove water and how long a power outage typically lasts in your area. A connected backup sump pump can send notifications to your smartphone to let you know the pumps status. Sump Pump Switch If it doesnt, the pump may overheat and lose functionality. It wont perform any self-testing, which is normal for a low cost pump, but it does come with a 24 month warranty. Your house, its needs and your comfort level are all unique. To determine the best sump pump ranking, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed third-party data on over 30 major products, with each products star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including: A battery backup sump pump system costs an average of $900 to install professionally. Yes, the backup pump is installed in the same sump basin, and when the power goes out, the backup pump begins to pump out water. Not only do water-powered sump pumps have unlimited run time and can last for many more years, the best brand (Water Commander) can out-pump battery backups and even your standard electric pump. How quickly a battery runs down depends on how much water is entering the sump pit and how often the pump must cycle to pump it out. Ultimate Guide This submersible unit is made of cast iron and thermoplastic components that resist rust and corrosion. Lexie is an assistant editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. Many of the above picks are also made to be submersible and with 10-foot lift to remove water quickly and from the source. Ensure that your system has this type of battery (if it does not require a different type) before use. Lets get into it. In addition to sending notifications to a smartphone, the backup pump emits an audible alarm when the power goes out or when maintenance is needed. Sump pump specialists near you should be able to show you the various options available. The featured pumps are made with cast aluminum, cast iron, or thermoplastic components to ensure long-lasting durability. Get the Zoeller sump pump system at Lowes. Some homeowners replace the backup pump whenever they replace their primary pump. A backup pump kit can run from $200 to $900 typically depending on the pumping power. Most battery backup sump pumps are connected to your homes power unit. Since they do not need a battery, there is no need to worry about battery replacement or run-time limits. How Much Does Sump Pump Installation Cost. Here are a few reasons to consider spending the cash. Get THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG CITS-50 sump pump at The Home Depot or at Lowes. This nested unit features a primary pump rated to pump 3,660 GPH of water at a 10-foot lift and a backup pump rated to pump 1,800 GPH to the same lift. How Long Does a Backup Sump Pump Battery Last? Then, with your primary sump pump unplugged, watch the water drain from the basin and ensure there are no leaks in the discharge pipe. Capital One Venture X Vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve, Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions, Private Wealth Manager Vs. Financial Advisor, How To Remove Collections From Your Credit Report, How Much Does A Home Warranty Cost In 2022, Superior Pump 92900 12V Battery Backup Submersible Sump Pump, Basement Watchdog Special CONNECT Sump Pump, Wayne ESP25 Upgraded 12-Volt Battery Backup System, The Best Battery Backup Sump Pumps Ratings, How to Determine Which Battery Backup Sump Pump Is Best for You, Reasons to Invest in a Good Battery Backup Sump Pump. Battery backup sump pumps are generally available in two types. That is a critical difference. Typical battery cost runs from $150 to $250, depending on the quality of the battery. A battery backup for your sump pump isn't considered a permanent fix. For $170.51, at Amazon, you can get this emergency sump pump, capable of pumping 1,380 gallon per hour, that comes with a whole lot of extras. To help make your decision easier, weve compiled a list of the five best battery backup sump pumps available, along with some tips to help steer you towards the one thats right for you. Pros and Cons This combo unit connects to home Wi-Fi systems, and it syncs with a smartphone to provide alerts when the power is out and the backup sump pump is active. Another factor comes into play: After four or five years, a 12-volt battery will start to lose some of its ability to hold a charge. When the power goes out, it springs into action, pumping up to 1,730 GPH water to a 10-foot lift. The situation just went from dire to drier. In addition to these upfront costs, you will have to replace the battery every 2-3 years, which significantly increases the total cost over its lifespan. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Preventing your home from flooding can save you money and headaches in the long run. A battery backup pump, primary pump, and/or float switch offers peace of mind in case the power goes out. Sump Pump Motor Battery backups last until the battery runs down, which can be anywhere from an estimated six hours to 90 hours or longer. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Hopefully, you wont have to rely on your backup pump too often. For high efficiency and flood protection in a combination unit, look no further than the Zoeller ProPack combination primary and backup sump pump system. Please try again later. This battery backup system is designed for use with an existing primary sump pump, and it runs on a 12-volt battery (not included). The truth is that most backup pumps are good. The best basement sump pump with battery backups include lead-acid batteries. Thats a lot of run time, considering the pump only needs to operate for several seconds at a time. Youll also get a, long, 36 month warranty for even more peace of mind and security. Backup Sump Pump Batteries A backup generator allows you to keep your sump pump running by supplying electricity to your home. You should also be prepared for the "noise" involved with running a generator for the sake of keeping your sump pump running around the clock. A battery backup sump pump requires the use of a deep-cycle battery thats normally sold separately. The Basement Watchdog Emergency Sump Pump beats out its competitors in nearly every category. A reliable water alarm should accompany any sump pump backup option that you choose. Youll want to hire a sump pump specialist to install it because it needs to be installed perfectly to function properly. Made with a primary and secondary pump, this option is for those in need of a heavy-duty pump that can manage to move 2,040 to 3,840 gallons per hour. Sort through the options by balancing a comfortable price point against how much convenience you desire. Other than those two variables, the cost of a backup system largely depends on the features that come with it.